BNPB deploys helicopter to speed Flores quake evacuations

BNPB deployed one helicopter to move supplies and carry out post-quake evacuations after the magnitude 7 earthquake in Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur, on Saturday (15/8). BNPB chief Suharyanto and coordinating minister for human development and culture Pratikno are also scheduled to head to Nagekeo Regency. BNPB said air support is needed because interisland access in NTT complicates emergency response. As of 08.00 WIB, BNPB updated the death toll to one after earlier reporting two fatalities; four other people were injured in Sikka and Nagekeo. About 2,000 Nagekeo residents evacuated on their own after the quake and tsunami early warning. NTT police chief Rudi Darmoko said evacuating residents is the priority, while aid posts are being set up in safe locations. Initial damage includes homes, a Bulog warehouse, public facilities and government offices.